Carpenter fired a two-hitter as Burns (16-6, 9-2 league) won a SMAC duel at Rutherfordton. Carpenter struck out 10 and allowed one walk.

Connor Dailey was the hardluck loser for the Hilltoppers (11-9, 6-6) despite throwing a three-hitter. He struck out four and issued three walks.

Phillip Black’s two-run double in the fifth accounted for all the Burns scoring. Carpenter had a triple and Caleb Burnham a single for Burns. Lance Greene’s double and Dailey’s single was all the offense R-S could muster.

Burns is now 11-0 in the league, 18-1-1 overall heading into Friday’s final conference match at home against rival Shelby. Bulldog seniors will be honored at 5 p.m. with the game to follow at 5:30.

Against R-S, Claire Cabaniss led the way with three goals with Brittany McMurray adding a pair. Kayla Powell, Katherine Powell and Shannon Jones also contributed goals.

Katlin Burns supplied two assists for the victors with one apiece by Meredith Cole, Cabaniss plus Kayla and Katherine Powell.

Ashley Boling, Cassie Waters and Brittany Cook split time in goal for Burns.

South Point 2, Crest 1 (2 OT) – Janet Widenhouse (one goal, one assist) and Gabriella Porter (one goal) led South Point. The Lady Red Raiders (12-4-1, 9-2-1 Big South 3A) will a host a first-round 3A playoff game next Wednesday against an opponent to be determined.